Despite the chaos, nature still stands. Stay positive in troubling times!
(author, all photos: axazapiec, place: Poland)
This year's pandemic seems to change our lives dramatically. And I don't want to talk here about the global recession, nor economic damage in any single country, neither losing jobs by individuals, public health crisis or what's the worst of all ... the death it brought...
And truly hope, those of you who are reading this text now, same as your families and friends, didn't suffer from any of these most severe scenarios in the last few months.
But still, quite many of us are relentlessly trying to adapt to our, let's call it, 'so different - private situation'. Which, can be - as simple as: new food and sleeping habits, spending too much time indoors or cursing the lack of social interactions, up to more complex cases like - adjusting to completely new online-working style, and as its consequence such a sudden, big-scale usage of various 'digital technologies' all at once. There can be still many other cases, of course. But what I want to show is that one way or another - most probably, so many of us may especially these days struggling with anger, anxiety, tiredness or frustration. And too - sometimes could hardly follow up their relatively 'new patterns and routines'. And of course, no judgment, nor critics: what actually should still be called 'new' vs. what actually already became 'some kind of a norm for one' is always an individual case and must be treated with respect. On the other hand, we can simply assume that for some people more than others adapting or indeed, dealing with 'different reality than they already got used to' may take respectively longer or shorter time. As for myself, sometimes I find myself just stuck at home for too long, sure - missing my beloved journeys or meeting out more often with friends, or in general working too long - simply tempted by my laptop so close at hand. But as long as I can notice such 'personal patterns' and understand feelings evolved by them, I should be able as well to address, improve, adapt etc. So nothing to complain, and sure - pretty high chance to fix :)
The New - Old reality... Finding ourselves again
Leaving the subject of the virus in the background at least for a moment, one thing is certain - in so many respects, we are living in unique and too demanding times. The so-called 'modern world' so often makes us chase one day after another. And constantly pushing us forward, challenging and yes, in our minds, not always rewarding us enough for what we did - despite all the efforts or tries. On the other hand, even if we succeed, human nature in so many of us is never really satisfied and tells us to constantly look for more, or to try new, other, and different. To search for extra excitement, get involved in new adventures, discover new places. And why? Well, as simple as human nature is - mainly to build up even more happiness. Or sometimes to find peace, fulfillment and purpose.
And no doubts - living in the third decade of the twenty-first century may look much faster than it did maybe 20-50 years ago. But regardless of where we are and what we want, we so often may find ourselves trapped by looking, trying, and chasing. At the same time, unfortunately, and actually losing a true reflection of who we really are, and how cheerful we could be. The truth is, however, that every single aspect of the world as we know now, or the one our ancestors were living in - was and still is challenging and in a way too - unpredictable. That sometimes trying 'too hard' leads us to nowhere but even more frustration. Instead of getting 'better', it may keep us away from experiencing real joy.
So to cite the smart thought of Aristotle: "Happiness depends upon ourselves", and so: does not matter how hard we try or how much we have - but actually how much we can enjoy it.
Let's keep it with us, especially 'here and now' - surrounded by the whole 'Covid-19 madness', and do our best not to get lost. Sometimes just like a child smiling at the butterfly over his head or looking at the falling leaf, despite our age - we should maybe just simply celebrate 'our little moments' as well more often. Please. Let's not forget how to be happy.
The nature heals the body, mind and soul.
Also, whenever possible, let ourselves go and grasp from it as much as we can - appreciating the beauty of the blue sky, the rain falling down and the sun rising up again. For those of you, who are especially missing smaller and bigger journeys - below warm wishes and sweet sunny memories from Poland. Hope, too a bit of motivation, and, finally the final call: smile please! It helps :)
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